Hearty Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe: A Family Favorite

Creamy, cheesy potatoes baked to golden perfection make loaded scalloped potatoes a comfort food dream.

These decadent spuds sing with rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes nestled between melted cheese and crispy bacon create a mouthwatering experience.

Sharp cheddar and tender potato slices blend into a harmonious dish that warms the soul.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that elevate this classic side.

The blend of cream, cheese, and savory toppings transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible potato masterpiece.

Tasty Add-Ins for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Gratin: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh or roasted mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Scalloped Style: Swap potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower, maintaining the same creamy sauce and cheese layers for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, nutritional yeast for cheese flavor, and plant-based bacon bits to create an allergen-friendly dish that's equally indulgent.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Edition: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the sauce, incorporating dried herb blends to elevate the traditional recipe with sophisticated Mediterranean undertones.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this loaded scalloped potatoes special?

The key ingredients are potatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, cheese, and a creamy milk-based sauce. These components work together to create a rich, flavorful, and indulgent side dish.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese. Cheddar, gruyère, or a blend of cheeses work well. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the other ingredients.

• Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?

No, the recipe contains bacon. To make it vegetarian, you can omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative like smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce through the layers without resistance. The top should also be golden brown and bubbly when fully cooked.

Why Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Are Next-Level

• Layers of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create an incredible taste experience that transforms ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish.
• Despite seeming complicated, this recipe breaks down into simple steps that even beginner cooks can master, making it a foolproof culinary adventure.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows you to swap ingredients or add personal touches like different cheeses or herbs, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• This rich, indulgent dish appeals to all ages, from kids who love cheesy potatoes to adults craving a sophisticated comfort food that feels like a special treat.

What You’ll Need for Loaded Scalloped Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the hearty base of this comforting dish.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth, rich sauce for the potatoes.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.

• Bacon: Crispy, savory meat that adds a smoky depth to the dish.
• Cheese: Melty ingredient that brings a creamy, tangy element to the scalloped potatoes.
• Onions: Sweet and caramelized vegetable that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for caramelizing onions and adding a subtle richness.

How to Assemble Creamy, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Thinly sliced onions
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden-brown color.

This process takes about 15-20 minutes.

If onions start sticking, add a splash of water or broth to help them cook smoothly.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy.

Alternatively, bake bacon on a sheet pan in the oven.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat.

Whisk in flour to create a roux.

Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly.

Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly (2-3 minutes).

Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

• Half of the sliced potatoes
• Half of the caramelized onions
• Half of the crumbled bacon
• Half of the cheese
• Half of the cream sauce

Repeat the layers, ending with a sprinkle of extra cheese and bacon on top for a golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.

The dish is ready when potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce thicken and the layers set, creating a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

Tips to Get Perfect Layers Every Time

• Slice potatoes just before assembling and keep them in cold water to stop oxidation and maintain their pristine white color.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and gruyère for a more complex, rich taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more milk while whisking to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Cut potato slices uniformly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or kale between potato layers to increase the dish's nutritional density and add subtle flavor complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Loaded Potatoes

• Transfer leftovers to a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the potatoes fresh and flavorful.
• Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed completely. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying out.

Great Pairings for Cheesy Scalloped Sides

• Pairing Powerhouse Potatoes: Elevate Your Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
• Uncork a Bold Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel cuts through the creamy richness, providing a perfect tangy counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy potatoes with its robust flavor profile.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh, zesty element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Herb-Roasted Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin with rosemary and thyme, creating a complementary protein that enhances the potato's savory depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the potato's richness, with the beer's carbonation cutting through the creamy sauce and bacon's smoky notes.

Loaded Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes elevate comfort food with layers of tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon. Rich flavors and hearty textures invite you to savor this indulgent side dish that perfectly complements any main course.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon or russet), thinly sliced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cheese (sharp cheddar and Gruyere recommended)
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

Fats, Seasonings, and Thickeners:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly greasing a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create rich caramelized onions by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté thinly sliced onions with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden-brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Add water if onions begin to stick.
3. Render bacon until crispy using a skillet or baking sheet method. Allow to cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
4. Craft a creamy sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour milk while continuously whisking, simmering until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
5. Layer the casserole by spreading half the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half of the caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and sauce. Repeat the layering process, reserving some cheese and bacon for the final topping to create a golden crust.
6. Bake the dish covered with foil for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes become tender and the surface turns golden and bubbling.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Swap out regular milk for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
• Reduce bacon’s fat content by using turkey bacon or omitting it entirely for a vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor complexity.
• Pre-slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the entire dish, preventing undercooked or mushy sections.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg